30 Teams In 30 Days: New Orleans Hornets

2007-2008 In Review

Record: 56-26
Western Conference Seed: 2
Playoff Results: Lost to SA in Western Conference Semifinals (4-3)

Summer Of 2008

Key Additions: James Posey (via free agency), Devin Brown (via free agency), Sean Marks (via free agency).

Key Losses: Bonzi Wells (via free agency), Jannero Pargo (via free agency – left for Europe), Chris Andersen (via free agency).

Goodbye, Bonzi Wells. Hello to a real sixth man.

In late July, the Hornets signed forward James Posey to a four-year, $25 million deal. The two-time NBA champion comes at a price, but he brings exactly what New Orleans has been missing off the bench—grit, tenacity, hustle, clutch play, and versatility from a seasoned veteran. The fact that he can defend three positions doesn’t hurt, either.

To replace Jannero Pargo, who sought a larger payday overseas this past summer, New Orleans also brought back combo guard Devin Brown. In 58 games for the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets in 2006-07, the soon-to-be 30-year-old guard averaged 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per contest.

Brown doesn’t quite bring the quickness or instant energy of a Jannero Pargo, but he’s a much bigger guard (6’5’’) and you could even argue that he’s a more complete playe.

The “Birdman” era came to a close, however, as Chris Andersen returned to Denver on a one-year deal. As a replacement, Jeff Bower brought in highly-experienced center Sean Marks, who was a part of the 2006 NBA champion San Antonio Spurs.

Once again, Posey may have been a bit on the expensive side, but there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Hornets are better-equipped to make a title run than they were a year ago.

Depth Chart

C: Tyson Chandler / Hilton Armstrong / Sean Marks
PF: David West / Melvin Ely / Ryan Bowen
SF: Peja Stojakovic / James Posey / Julian Wright
SG: Morris Peterson / Devin Brown / Rasual Butler
PG: Chris Paul / Mike James

Biggest Strength: Chris Paul

Some teams’ biggest strength is an on-court attribute, such as shooting, defense, or rebounding. For others, it’s that they have that special someone—an absolute superstar that puts butts in the seats and plays at a superstar level each and every night. The New Orleans Hornets have that in Chris Paul.

“CP3” is a once in a decade type of talent, and at 23 years of age, he’s already a heavy vote-getter in the MVP race. In fact, many would argue that he deserved the award over Kobe Bryant this past season. He’s that good—and on both ends of the floor.

His 21.1 PPG, 11.6 APG, 4.0 RPG, 2.7 SPG numbers don’t lie, but even those jaw-dropping figures don’t tell you everything about Chris Paul. This is a future Hall of Famer if I’ve ever seen one.

Biggest Weakness: Frontcourt Depth

Should Tyson Chandler or David West go down with any kind of significant injury containing a lengthy timetable of healing, the Hornets could find themselves in big trouble. Behind the incredibly-talented starting duo, New Orleans is rather weak up front off the bench.

The likes of disappointing bigs Hilton Armstrong and Melvin Ely have not and simply will not cut it.  Byron Scott better hope and pray that the injury bug doesn’t make its way to Nawlans this season.

X-Factor: James Posey

New Orleans took San Antonio to Game Seven in last season’s Western Conference Semifinals, but they ended up losing that final game by nine points on account of their poor clutch shooting and inability to close the deal down the stretch of ballgames. This team was lacking a supporting player or two who could make the big shots and stops.

That’s where newly acquired sixth-man James Posey, who both relishes and thrives in that role, comes in. He’s the consummate role player, and one that very few teams have a similar contributor to match the services of.

If you need a big three, Posey will knock it down. Need a stop? Posey will harass the best opposing two, three, or four-man. Need some rebounds? Posey will hustle his way to the glass and use his terrific length to pull a big one down for you.

Are you content with what you have on the court, and simply need a veteran to calm the nerves of your team? No problem, Posey will give each and every one of them a lengthy pep talk in the form of a bear-hug.

As long as Posey brings to New Orleans what he brought to Boston and Miami, the Hornets will be in excellent shape come playoff time.

What to Expect In 2008-2009

Without a doubt, this is one of the better teams in the NBA. They’ve got the league’s very best point guard, versatility, outside shooting, leadership, an energetic group, and some of the best coaching that the league has to offer.

Out west, the road to the Finals is never easy—but New Orleans has as much of a chance to get there as anybody else. Barring injury, this is a legitimate contender.

Predicted Standings

56-26
First in Southwest Division
Second in Western Conference

Coming Soon: New York Knicks